When the kitchen is part of a larger, open-plan living area, its design shouldn't overwhelm its surroundings. Clever use of materials is a way of bridging the gap between an effective work space in the kitchen and a relaxing ambience in the living and dining areas.

In this historic bungalow, kitchen designer Nicola Cumming took her cue from the striking pattern of cedar battens in the formal dining area. She encouraged the owners to replicate this look on the ceiling in the kitchen, even though it is an addition to the original home.

"It's important to sympathise with the home's character and to make the look of the kitchen an integral part of the overall design."

Dividing the kitchen and dining area is a large custom-made cabinet positioned at the end of the island.

The cabinet's wooden legs help create the illusion of a freestanding piece of furniture. This effect is further enhanced by the lead lighting on the glass door, made in the same pattern as the windows in the dining room.

On the other side of the cabinet, there are two high cupboards and an open compartment housing small appliances, such as the toaster.

The sides of the island splay outward from one end of the cabinet to form a trapezium shape. This allows a generous gap for a walkway between the kitchen and dining area. As the opposite end of the island is wider, there is plenty of room for people to comfortably sit at the bench.

Visually connecting the dark wooden furniture with the stainless steel appliances are blue-panelled cabinets with drop handles. The cabinet doors have been custom-made in a traditional style, to keep with the period in which the home was built.